Types of Internet Connections

Technology is changing day by day and also internet connection speeds.

Since last 2 decades, we are using various types of internet connections, internet is a vital part of our lifestyle nowadays. Over the past years technology has been grown up consistently such as online gaming, online TV, streaming videos, flash, animations and much more. Also our need for internet speed also increased over the time.

We use internet for our home personal and business purposes. There are various types of internet connections as per our requirements are available and provided by internet service providers.

Types of internet connections are –

1) Gateway Access (Level One Connection)

2) Dial Up Connection (Level Two Connection)

3) Leased Line Connection (Level Three Connection)

4) DSL (Digital Subscriber line)

5) Cable Modem Connection

6) VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal)

Gateway Access –

Gateway Access (or Level One Connection) is the access to the internet from a network, which is not on the internet. Two different types of network can talk to each other over Gateway access. Only disadvantage of the gateway access is, user will have limited internet access. User might not able to use all tools available on the internet. Internet service providers (ISP) can control internet speed limit.

Dial Up Connection –

Computer which provides internet access is called as “Host” and computer which receives access is called as “Terminal” or “Client”.

Dial up connection is cheap but slow. When user dials a phone number from computer, can connect to internet via modem (internet or external).

Analog signal gets converted to digital signal via modem and sends to land line services by telephone networks. Telephone lines are varies in quality and connection can be poor.

Dial Up Connection includes 3 more categories –

Shell Connection –

This connection does not support Graphic Display. User will able to receive only textual matter of a web page.

Shell Connection was in the market since before the internet started converting into world of graphics, sound and pictures.

TCP/ IP Connection –

TCP/IP Connection supports Graphics Display and Text both.

ISDN –

ISDN also known as an Integrated Services Digital Networks.

Before the usage of DSL, the users like to have the ISDN connection. This is so because; there were not many options available for the broadband connection to the office and home. The Internet Services Digital Network is available as a symmetrical service that provides the speed of 64Kbps to 128Kbps. Due to its high budget and less speed, it hasn’t been much used.

Advantages of ISDN –

Facilitate the user with multiple digital channels. These channels can operate parallel with copper wire pair.

ISDN offers high data rates

ISDN network lines can be used for devices such as faxes, computers, card readers etc.